Survival Rate and Predictors of Mortality Among TB-HIV Co-Infected Patients During Tuberculosis Treatment at Public Health Facilities in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection pose a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries. The survival and predictors of mortality were not sufficiently studied among TB-HIV co-infected patients in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the survival rate and predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected patients during TB treatment at public health facilities in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 401 TB-HIV co-infected patients who were treated for tuberculosis between July 2018 and June 2022 at public health facilities in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured checklist from patient charts. Data entry and analysis were done using EpiData 3.1 and Stata version 15, respectively. A Cox proportional Hazard regression model was used to identify predictors of mortality. Predictors with P < 0.05 in the multivariable regression were considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 401 TB-HIV co-infected patients, 59 (14.7%) died during the follow-up period. Predictors like lower BMI (AHR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.44, 6.28), extrapulmonary TB infection (AHR = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.50, 7.29), presence of opportunistic infection (AHR = 5.07, 95% CI = 2.55, 10.08), functional status (bedridden: AHR = 4.49, 95% CI = 1.63, 12.33), and adherence to TB treatment (fair = AHR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.41, 7.20, and poor = AHR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.52, 9.23) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: Mortality among TB and HIV coinfected people was high at public health facilities in Bahir Dar city. This result suggested that in order to increase patient survival, it would be necessary to enhance nutritional status, increase adherence to TB treatment, and prevent opportunistic infections.

Development and internal validation of a clinical risk score for in-hospital mortality after stroke: a single-centre retrospective cohort study in Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a clinical risk score for in-hospital stroke mortality. DESIGN: The study used a retrospective cohort study design. SETTING: The study was carried out in a tertiary hospital in the Northwest Ethiopian region. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 912 patients who had a stroke admitted to a tertiary hospital between 11 September 2018 and 7 March 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical risk score for in-hospital stroke mortality. METHODS: We used EpiData V.3.1 and R V.4.0.4 for data entry and analysis, respectively. Predictors of mortality were identified by multivariable logistic regression. A bootstrapping technique was performed to internally validate the model. Simplified risk scores were established from the beta coefficients of predictors of the final reduced model. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration plot. RESULTS: From the total stroke cases, 132 (14.5%) patients died during the hospital stay. We developed a risk prediction model from eight prognostic determinants (age, sex, type of stroke, diabetes mellitus, temperature, Glasgow Coma Scale, pneumonia and creatinine). The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.895 (95% CI: 0.859-0.932) for the original model and was the same for the bootstrapped model. The AUC of the simplified risk score model was 0.893 (95% CI: 0.856-0.929) with a calibration test p value of 0.225. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction model was developed from eight easy-to-collect predictors. The model has excellent discrimination and calibration performance, similar to that of the risk score model. It is simple, easily remembered, and helps clinicians identify the risk of patients and manage it properly. Prospective studies in different healthcare settings are required to externally validate our risk score.

Validation of risk prediction for outcomes of severe community-acquired pneumonia among under-five children in Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Globally there are over 1,400 cases of pneumonia per 100,000 children every year, where children in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected. Some of the cases develop poor treatment outcome (treatment failure or antibiotic change or staying longer in the hospital or death), while others develop good outcome during interventions. Although clinical decision-making is a key aspect of the interventions, there are limited tools such as risk scores to assist the clinical judgment in low-income settings. This study aimed to validate a prediction model and develop risk scores for poor outcomes of severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). METHODS: A cohort study was conducted among 539 under-five children hospitalized with SCAP. Data analysis was done using R version 4.0.5 software. A multivariable analysis was done. We developed a simplified risk score to facilitate clinical utility. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plot. Bootstrapping was used to validate all accuracy measures. A decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical and public health utility of our model. RESULTS: The incidence of poor outcomes of pneumonia was 151(28%) (95%CI: 24.2%-31.8%). Vaccination status, fever, pallor, unable to breastfeed, impaired consciousness, CBC abnormal, entered ICU, and vomiting remained in the reduced model. The AUC of the original model was 0.927, 95% (CI (0.90, 0.96), whereas the risk score model produced prediction accuracy of an AUC of 0.89 (95%CI: 0.853-0.922. Our decision curve analysis for the model provides a higher net benefit across ranges of threshold probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Our model has excellent discrimination and calibration performance. Similarly, the risk score model has excellent discrimination and calibration ability with an insignificant loss of accuracy from the original. The models can have the potential to improve care and treatment outcomes in the clinical settings.

Developing and validating a risk prediction model for preterm birth at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-West Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a risk prediction model for the prediction of preterm birth using maternal characteristics. DESIGN: This was a retrospective follow-up study. Data were coded and entered into EpiData, V.3.02, and were analysed using R statistical programming language V.4.0.4 for further processing and analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between each predictor and preterm birth. Variables with p≤0.25 from the bivariable analysis were entered into a backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression model, and significant variables (p<0.05) were retained in the multivariable model. Model accuracy and goodness of fit were assessed by computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (discrimination) and calibration plot (calibration), respectively. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective study was conducted among 1260 pregnant women who did prenatal care and finally delivered at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Bahir Dar city, north-west Ethiopia, from 30 January 2019 to 30 January 2021. RESULTS: Residence, gravidity, haemoglobin <11 mg/dL, early rupture of membranes, antepartum haemorrhage and pregnancy-induced hypertension remained in the final multivariable prediction model. The area under the curve of the model was 0.816 (95% CI 0.779 to 0.856). CONCLUSION: This study showed the possibility of predicting preterm birth using maternal characteristics during pregnancy. Thus, use of this model could help identify pregnant women at a higher risk of having a preterm birth to be linked to a centre.

Level and Timing of Implanon Discontinuation and Associated Factors among Women Who Used Implanon in Andabet District, Public Health Facilities, North-West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Implanon discontinuation is unacceptably high in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Furthermore, there is an observed problem of high unintended pregnancy after method discontinuation that strides to program failure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the level and determinants of Implanon discontinuation among women who used Implanon in Andabet district, public health facilities, North-West Ethiopia, 2017. METHODS: Facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 537 women from Feb. 03 to April 28, 2017. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A face-to-face interview was employed to collect data. Epi-Info version 7 was used for data entry and SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was computed. On multivariable binary logistic regression, a p value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: About 37% of Implanon users have discontinued the method before the intended time. About 86% of them discontinued Implanon before two years of insertion. Women who had no live child (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.25-3.77), women who did not receive preinsertion counseling (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.15-2.97), women who developed Implanon-related side effect (AOR = 5.17, 95% CI: 3.18-8.40), and women who did not satisfy by the service provided (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI: 3.04-9.57) had higher odds of Implanon discontinuation. On the other hand, women who received appointment follow-up (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13-0.41) had lower odds of Implanon discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: The level of Implanon discontinuation before its intended time was high in the district. Hence, strengthening preinsertion counseling and appointment follow-up as well as improving the clients' level of service satisfaction could increase Implanon's continuation.

Hepatitis B virus infection and its determinants among HIV positive pregnant women: Multicenter unmatched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) kills millions of people globally; it is worse in pregnant women. HBV and Human Immune Virus (HIV) co-infection is associated with increased liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of HBV infection among HIV-positive pregnant women. METHODS: A multicentre unmatched case-control study was conducted among 109 cases (HBV/HIV co-infected) and 327 controls (HIV positive) pregnant women in seven hospitals of the Eastern Amhara region. Interview and chart review data collection techniques were employed by trained personnel. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of hepatitis B virus infection. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 and 95% confidence interval for odds ratio not containing 1 considered independent predictors of HBV infection. RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed that history of STI [AOR, 1.97, 95%CI, 1.09-3.56], hospital admission [AOR, 3.08, 95%CI, 1.69-5.61], traditional delivery care [AOR, 3.31, 95%CI, 1.72-6.37], family history of HBV [AOR, 3.33, 95%CI, 1.72-6.37], presence of opportunistic infections [AOR, 0.23, 95%CI, 0.12-0.58], viral load [AOR, 7.58, 95%CI, 3.18-8.01], CD4 count [AOR, 2.15, 95% CI, 1.01-4.59], anaemia [AOR, 3.07, 95% CI, 1.71-5.51] and unsafe sex [AOR, 1.98, 95%CI, 1.09-3.61] had a statistically significant association with HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Several exposure variables had statistically significant association with HBV infection. High Viral Load appeared to be the largest predictor of HBV infection in HIV patients. Therefore, targeted interventions such as behavioral change intervention for unsafe sex and STI should be in place, and screening tests and treatment at the early stage of conception for both partners is necessary.

Spatial variations and determinants of anemia among under-five children in Ethiopia, EDHS 2005-2016.

BACKGROUND: Anemia has severe public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, anemia has been increasing in the last two decades, reaching the highest national level in 2016, however, the geospatial distribution and determinants of anemia in children weren't well explored at a national level. METHODS: We used the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey(EDHS) data from 2005-2016. The data consists of samples of households (HHs) obtained through a two-stage stratified sampling procedure. Our analysis included 19,699 children. Descriptive statistics, geospatial analysis, and Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMMs) were used. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia was 51.5%; the spatial distribution of anemia significantly different across clusters in each survey. Children from 6 to 11 months had higher odds of anemia compared to 24-59 months (Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) = 3.4, 95%Confidence level (CI): 2.99-3.76). Children with the first and second birth order were less likely to be anemic compared to fifth and above (AOR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.38-0.95, and AOR = 0.83, 95%C: 0.73-0.93) respectively. Mothers' age 15 to 24 years was associated with higher odds of anemia compared to 35 to 49 years (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.20-1.55). Children from HHs with the poorest and poorer wealth category showed a higher odds of anemia compared to the richest (AOR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.45-1.93, and AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.08-1.45) respectively. Moreover, children from HHs with one to two under-five children were less likely to be anemic compared to those three and more (AOR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.76-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The geospatial distribution of anemia among children varies in Ethiopia; it was highest in the East, Northeast, and Western regions of the country. Several factors were associated with anemia; therefore, interventions targeting the hotspots areas and specific determinant factors should be implemented by the concerned bodies to reduce the consequences of anemia on the generation.

Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infection Among Children in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is one of the leading public health challenges among children in low- and middle-income countries. Child mortality due to ARI is disproportionately higher in African regions. In Ethiopia, an encouraging progress in the reduction of ARI was observed until 2010, however, since then the national prevalence is unchanged. There is limited information for the persistently higher prevalence of the infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine regional variations and identify factors associated with the infection. METHODS: This study used data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) conducted in 2016. The analysis used information from 10,006 children. A two-level logistic regression analysis was used to consider the cluster random effect. RESULTS: Out of 10,006 children included, 15.9%, 8.9%, and 8.8% reported cough, short rapid breaths, and chest complaint respectively two weeks before the survey, making the overall prevalence of ARI 8.8%. Children aged six to 11 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.466, 95%CI: 1.143-1.881), and 12 to 23 (AOR=1.390, 95%CI: 1.109-1.742), small birth size (AOR=1.387, 95%CI), and animal dung as cooking fuel (AOR=1.904, 95%CI: 1.152-3.146) are significantly associated with higher odds of ARI in the final multilevel modeling. The AOR (95%CI) for ARI for differing levels of altitude were: 1000 to 2000, 1.805 (1.403-2.483); 2000 to 3000, 1.882 (1.427-2.483); above 3000, 2.24 (1.023-4.907). CONCLUSION: ARI is still a significant public health problem in Ethiopia among children underfive, with a huge variation in the burden across the regional states. Age of children, birth size, household cooking fuel, and altitude above sea level were important variables. Therefore, regional governments, health-care workers and concerned organizations should give emphasis to minimize ARI and the consequences associated with the disease.

Sexually transmitted diseases among female commercial sex workers in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) are considered a high-risk group for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), yet the reported prevalence varies in studies around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of STDs among female sex workers. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among female sex workers in Finote Selam town. A total of 389 sex workers were studied using census method. Data were collected using an interview with structured questionnaires. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software package. RESULTS: The findings of this study showed that the overall prevalence of STDs was 20.6%. The reported prevalence of genital discharge, ulcer, and bubo was 15.9%, 15.2%, and 11.6%, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, respondents who did not use a condom were about four times at higher risk of STDs than those who were using a condom consistently (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.812, 9.139). Respondents who experienced condom breakages were more than 12 times more likely to report STDs than those who never experienced condom breakages (AOR = 12.291, 95% CI: 5.701, 26.495). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that one in five commercial sex workers in Finote Selam town had STDs. Sex without a condom and condom breakage during sexual intercourse showed a significant association with STDs. Therefore, the Woreda Health Office in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations in the area should work on safe sex promotion to enhance consistent condom use and reduce condom breakage through continuous education among commercial sex workers.

Prevalence and determinants of acute diarrhea among children younger than five years old in Jabithennan District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2014.

BACKGROUND: Despite the global decline in death rates of children younger than five years old, the risk of a child dying before turning five years of age remains highest in the WHO African Region. The problem of child death in Ethiopia is worse, with an Ethiopian child being 30 times more likely to die by his/her fifth birthday than a child in Western Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with diarrhea among children younger than five years old. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers who had children younger than five years old from April to June 2014. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select eligible women. The data were coded, entered, cleaned and analyzed with the SPSS software package, version 16. RESULTS: he data of 775 mothers were included in the analysis, and 21.5% of the children had diarrhea in the two weeks before the survey. The main factors affecting the occurrence of diarrhea were residence (Odds ratio (AOR) = 11.29, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 3.49-36.52), sex (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI:1.28-4.93), methods of complementary feeding (AOR = 50.88, 95% CI: 23.85- 108.54), types of water storage equipment (AOR = 19.50, 95% CI: 8.11-46.90), and cleansing materials used to wash hands (AOR = 5.53, 95% CI: 2.19-13.99). CONCLUSION: Approximately one-fifth of the children included in the study reported diarrheal disease. Residence, sex of the child, type of water storage container, methods of complementary feeding, and cleansing materials to wash the hands were the most important variables that affected the occurrence of diarrhea in children. Therefore, families, the government and nongovernmental organizations working in the area must cooperate in interventions and prevention to minimize the risk of disease.

Iodine content of dietary salt at household level and associated factors using Iodometric titration methods in Dera District, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries most of the edible salts have insufficient iodine content; the problem is worse in Africa. Only 15.4% of the Ethiopian population was using adequately iodized salt. Several factors affect iodine content of edible salt including poor handling practices. The existing evidence isn't sufficient to detail the specific factors at the household level. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the iodine content of edible salt and identify factors associated with salt iodine content in Dera District, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1194 households. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the households, and data were collected using the interview. A 50 g salt sample was collected from each selected household and was shipped to the Ethiopian Food, Medicine and Health Care administration and Control Authority (EFMHACA) laboratory center for iodine level analysis. The samples were analyzed using titration method. Data were entered into EPI-INFO and analyzed in SPSS. RESULTS: Out of 1194 salt samples collected, 57.4% had iodine content in the range 15 ppm to 59.42 ppm. Salt stored in closed containers was more likely to have better iodine content compared to salt stored with open containers (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.24-2.42). Salt samples stored in dry places were 1.5 times more likely to retain iodine compared to samples stored near to heat/fire or in a moist area (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.03-2.14). Similarly, salt samples stored for less than 2 months were more likely to have adequate iodine level compared to samples stored for over 2 months (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.12-2.29).Salt samples obtained from household heads attended primary education (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.05-2.26), high school (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.05-2.64), and University (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.06-5.62) were more likely to have adequate iodine content in edible salt compared to whose didn't attend formal education. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly three out of five salt samples had enough iodine content. However, this level is low compared to the WHO recommendation (90%). The age, educational status of head of the household, duration of salt storage, use of cover to store salt and knowledge of household heads were associated with an iodine content of salt. Therefore, use of cover and proper storage of edible salt should be encouraged; improving the educational status of the community is essential the edible salt to retain its iodine content at the household level.

Prevalence of active trachoma and associated risk factors among children in Gazegibela district of Wagehemra Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma continues to be hyperendemic in many rural areas of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of active trachoma among children in Gazegibela district, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2015 among children aged 1-9 years. Data were collected through an interview and eye examinations. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 601 children, 315 (52.4 %) were positive for active trachoma. Of these cases, 49.1 % were trachomatous inflammation-follicular and 3.3 % were trachomatous inflammation-intense. Children from households using rivers and ponds as their source of drinking water were more likely to develop active trachoma compared to those from households using water from springs or hand-dug wells (aOR = 2.9, 95 % CI: 1.70-4.81). Children from farming households were more likely to develop active trachoma (AOR = 3.3, 95 % CI: 1.02-10.65), as were children from housholds that lacked a latrine (aOR = 12.9, 95 % CI: 5.96-28.29). Children who washed their face only once a day were more likely to have active trachoma compared to those who washed for two and more times a day (aOR = 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.43-4.72). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of trachoma among children from Gazegibela district. Trachoma remains a public health challenge in this region, requiring intervention from the government and other stakeholders.

Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity among High School Students in Bahir Dar City, North West Ethiopia: School Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for diet-related noncommunicable diseases. These diseases are the fifth leading risks for global deaths. Virtually, all age groups are affected from consequences of overweight and obesity. Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 431 school adolescents. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire and physical measurements. The sex and age specific BMI was computed using WHO Anthroplus software and the data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results. The magnitudes of overweight and obesity were 12.3% and 4.4%, respectively, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity together was 16.7%. Three-fourths of the respondents (74.7%) had healthy body mass index; however, 8.6% were underweight. Sex, frequency of eating food out of home, school type, family monthly income, family having vehicle, vigorous physical activity, and frequency of vigorous physical activity were statistically significant predictors of overweight and obesity. Conclusion. The problems of overweight and obesity are taking place while students are still under the risk of underweight. Several factors were correlated with overweight and obesity. Therefore, interventions targeting gender, frequency of eating food out of home, vigorous activities, and frequency of doing vigorous physical activity are recommended.

Women's satisfaction with childbirth care in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2014: cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, each year more than half million women die from pregnancy-related causes and an estimated 10 million experience injuries, infections and disease that can cause lifelong suffering attributed to poor quality care. Client satisfaction on health care delivery is an indication of quality care and reported to affect health service utilization. Individuals happy with the care received comply with services and follow up. The aim of this study was to assess women's satisfaction with care during child birth and associated factors. METHODS: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on women delivering their baby in April to May 2014. Systematic sampling procedure was used to select 594 eligible women, and face to face interview technique was used to collect the data. The data were coded, entered into EPI-INFO (3.5.1) and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software package. RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed that the proportion of women satisfied with childbirth care service was 74.9 %. Mothers whose age less than 20, and 20-34 years were less likely to satisfy with the care during child birth compared to mothers whose age was above 35 years (AOR = 0.17, 95 % CI 0.04-0.68, and AOR = 0.13.95 % CI 0.13-0.85). Besides, women who did not attend ANC were more than 3 times likely to satisfy with care compared to women attended ANC (AOR = 3.75, 95 % CI 1.12-12.59). Moreover, who who gave birth for the first time, and two to five times were more than 4 times likely to satisfy compared to women who gave birth for more than 5 times (AOR = 4.68, 95 % CI 1.75-12.54, and AOR = 4.38, 95 % CI 1.91-12.22). CONCLUSION: Only 75 % of women gave birth satisfied with the care they received. Moreover, age of women, antenatal care follow-up and the number of deliveries were important predictors of level of satisfaction. Therefore, the hospital administration and health professionals need to offer patient oriented service to increase level of satisfaction, as it is one of the measures of quality care.

Prevalence and correlation of hypertension among adult population in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the most common causes of premature death and morbidity and has a major impact on health care costs. It is an important public health challenge to both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and correlates of hypertension. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2014 among 681 adult residents of Bahir Dar city using multistage sampling techniques. An interview-administrated questionnaire and physical measurements such as blood pressure (BP), weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were employed to collect the data. The data were coded, entered, and analyzed with SPSS version 16 software package. RESULTS: A total of 678 responses were included in the analysis resulting in a response rate of 99.6%. The findings declared that 17.6%, 19.8%, and 2.2% of respondents were prehypertension, hypertension stage I, and hypertension stage II, respectively, on screening test. The overall prevalence of hypertension (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or known hypertensive patient taking medications) was 25.1%. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age; having ever smoked cigarette; number of hours spent walking/cycling per day; number of hours spent watching TV per day; history of diabetes; adding salt to food in addition to the normal amount that is added to the food during cooking; and body mass index were statistically significant predictors of hypertension. CONCLUSION: One out of every four respondents of the study had hypertension, and more than one out of three cases of hypertension (38.8%) did not know that they had the hypertension; 17.6% of the respondents were in prehypertension stage, which adds to overall future risk of hypertension. Therefore, mass screening for hypertension, health education to prevent substance use, regular exercise, reducing salt consumption, and life style modifications are recommended.